SADAG NEWSLETTER

JOURNAL

SPEAKING BOOKS

Literacy is a luxury that many of us take for granted. We depend on written communication for information, guidance, and access to heath care information That is why SADAG created SPEAKING BOOKS and revolutionized the way information is delivered to low literacy communities. It's exactly what it sounds like.a book that talks to the reader in his or her local language, delivering critical information in an interactive, and educational way.

The customizable 16-page book, accompanied by local celebrity audio recordings, ensures that vital health and social messages can be seen, heard, read and understood..

We started with books on Teen Suicide prevention , HIV, AIDS and Depression, Understanding Mental Health and have developed over 30 titles, such as TB, Malaria, Polio, Vaccines for over 30 countries.

Surviving Suburbia – living with depression and burnout

ONE day, he was a successful urbanite, the next he awoke to find himself in the throes of clinical depression. Residing in Morningside Manor, author and businessman Richard Hawkey details his struggle with depression and overcoming it in his book Life Less Lived. In his debut novel the father of two struggles to find a balance between work and family life and, unable to cope with the stresses of modern living, he finds himself severely burnt out and depressed. He describes himself as a regular guy with a regular life, and hopes this book will serve as a warning and practical guide to others facing an all too familiar situation. "This book is for anyone feeling stressed or depressed, worried they are burning out, and wants honest, practical advice on ways to cope and change their life." For the 39-year-old his three-month bout of depression was frightening but it was during his recovery that he discovered a passion for writing. "It was through journalling my lows and highs during recovery that I discovered writing could help others in the same position as me. I resigned from my banking career when I realised that although I was successful I was not doing what brought me joy. I want to raise awareness about this debilitating mental illness, and destigmatise something that 10 percent of the population struggle with." Medication and psychotherapy set Hawkey on the path to recovery. The self-published book was launched in February and is available in bookstores nationwide. Hawkey is a counsellor and volunteer at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and is working on the sequel to Life Less Lived. His advice to stressed workaholics, "Look for balance in your life, don't run yourself ragged and realise that materialism should not be the sole purpose of your life."

EMERGENCY LINES

Dr Reddy's Help Line0800 21 22 23

Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline0800 70 80 90

Destiny Helpline for Youth & Students0800 41 42 43

ADHD Helpline0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline0800 12 13 14SMS 32312